Kathmandu, Oct 22: In a major shift in policy, the Maoist rebels in Nepal have announced that they would abstain from targeting civilians, low-rank police officials, and public infrastructure but asserted they would not spare American companies.

The chief of the Maoist rebel outfit Pushpakamal Dahal said yesterday in a press statement that the rebels would not harm other party leaders and low-rank military and police personnel.
The rebels would try to convince the low rank military and police personnel to quit their jobs and involve themselves in the welfare of the general public, the statement said.
The rebels would also not attack village development committee buildings, vacant police posts and military barracks, telecom towers and natural heritage sites that are under their control, the Maoist leader said.
He, however, said the rebels would not spare any companies or organisations run by American "imperialists".
The decision was taken recently at a politburo meeting of the outfit held in an undisclosed location, media reports said.
Besides, the rebels would also cease extorting money from the people, Dahal said.
The party has also appointed its politburo member Krishna Bahadur Mahara as their party spokesman.
Bureau Report